Nigeria might have several stories to the world out there but we cannot deny the beauties that lie as her tourist attentions depict historical significance and outstanding beauty capable of awing and amusing the public. The physical evidence of genius architectural designs , coupled with the mysterious dynamism of natural ingenuity make them the go-to place for a memorable tourism experience.
We took some time to compile a list of fun places to visit and enjoy in the commercial capital of Africa.
- Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State:
All roads lead to Yankari Game Reserve, in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. Get ready to experience nature in the country’s biggest wildlife retreat. At the reserve, you will be captivated by the number of activities you can participate in. Marvel at the largest herd of elephants in the country, embark on a guided safari tour and explore the forests.
At the Reserve, you’ll find different varieties of animal species including the olive baboon, patas monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, living in their natural habitats.
After your day at the reserve, exploring the marvel of wildlife, head over to the Wikki Warm Spring. Your visit to the Yankari Game Reserve is incomplete if you don’t experience the warmth of this spring.
2. Lekki Conservation Centre , Lagos State:
The Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos is one of the best nature reserves in Nigeria. This conservation and relaxation centre offers a breath of fresh air and an escape from the forever buzzing city of Lagos. The 21-year-old conservation centre cum nature hub, which covers an area of 78 hectares, is run and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Generally regarded as an icon of nature conservation, Lekki Conservation Centre represents the flagship project of Nigeria Conservation Foundation for the preservation of unique biodiversity, scenic, natural, scientific recreational values of the coastal environs of western Nigeria.
3. Olumo Rock, Ogun State:
Any visit to the city of Abeokuta would be incomplete without stopping by at the “fortress of Abeokuta”; Olumo Rock. No surprise that this rock is located in Abeokuta, as the name “Abeokuta” itself means “under the rock” as has been one of the choice tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Olumo Rock has long served as a rock of offence and a fortress for the people of Egba Land, since the 19th century. At Olumo Rock, you would be treated to attractions like natural tunnels, unusual trees, natural cantilevers, gardens on the rock, broken pathways, and monuments of the belief system of the rock’s primeval settlers.
You don’t want to miss these attractions, do you?
4. Kajuru Castle, Kaduna State:
Kajuru Castle is a luxury Medieval-German style villa, built over 3 decades ago located in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The villa is designed with bedrooms modelled after dungeons and several towers with crenellated walls. The medieval theme is seen throughout the castle, it even has a portcullis (the vertically closing gate) with a crocodile pit.
The castle includes a guest tower with 4 rooms and the main building with a knights’ hall and a master suite ( also known as the “landlord’s residence”). There’s an outdoor swimming pool for cooling off on hot days and a barbeque spot right by the pool. From the pool area and most of the castle windows, you will enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding mountains and has its own Sauna!
5. Agodi Gardens, Oyo State:
Agodi Gardens is a beautiful park in the city of Ibadan which has risen to become one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Also called Agodi Botanical Gardens, Agodi Gardens, Ibadan, the site is a serene environment on 150 acres of land. It is usually patronised by families during festive periods and weekends.
Its peaceful and calm environment makes it a perfect destination for you to take a break from the hassle and reevaluate life or take some time out for yourself. From the water parks to the animal enclosure or even just walking through the garden paths, Agodi gardens is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing vacation.
6. Obudu Cattle Ranch ,Cross Rivers State:
Obudu Mountain Resort, formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch, is one of the most beautiful and pleasant tourist centre destinations in Nigeria. Located on the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border, in the Northeastern part of Cross Rivers State. This resort centre has grown to become a major destination choice for tourists. It has an attractive landscape and calming ambience, with clouds smiling down on its peaks and valleys. It offers visitors a good blend of warm and cold temperature, as it has a very temperate weather.
The rooms in Obudu Mountain Resort are made up of chalets, standard room, executive room, huts to presidential suites. Although this resort is open to visitors throughout the year, the period between October and February is the best time to visit, as it is the time when the sky is very bright and the air is frosty.
7. Osun Sacred Grove, Osun State:
Classified as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, this sacred forest attracts a large number of tourists as it is definitely worth visiting and is reputed to rank high in the list of tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Situated on the outskirts of Oshogbo, the capital of Osun state along the banks of the Osun river. Osun state is one of the states in the South-western part of Nigeria majorly populated by the Yorubas who are indigenes of the state. Yoruba people believe that Osun sacred grove, which spans about 75 hectares of land, is home to Osun– the goddess of fertility.
A festival that celebrates this fertility goddess takes place every year in Osogbo. You will find scattered about the forest, shrines, and effigies of different deities. In addition to that, the forest contains about 400 different species of plants that are used for medicinal purposes.
8. New Afrika Shrine, Lagos State:
You can’t mention the names of tourist attractions in Nigeria without mentioning the New Afrika Shrine. Are you thinking of taking your nightlife escapades to the next level? Then think Fela Shrine a.k.a The New Afrika Shrine. From the genre of music to the inspirational story-telling lyrics. Not forgetting the sacrosanct palm-wine, get ready to get a political education, a lesson in ‘shakin-it’ and a contact high!
The New Afrika Shrine, an open-air entertainment center located in Ikeja, Lagos State serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival. Currently managed by Femi Kuti and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, the shrine is a replacement of the old Afrika Shrine created in 1970 by Fela Kuti until it was burnt down in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine showcases photo galleries of Fela and musical performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti.
Here are just a few places to visit in Nigeria.
Where else should we add to our list?
